Cricket 2009: A war between India and South Africa over supremacy

(This entry was originally published on Saturday, January 3rd, 2009)

It seems that 2008 was a year in which we saw the sudden destruction of Australia. Ofcourse, it is too early to say this kind thing because Australia will be very busy in 2009 as they will play against West Indies and also against England and then there is Champions Trophy and ICC World Twenty20 2009. So Australian players will have plenty of opportunities to perform and prove that they are not finished yet. After Australia, there are now two teams-India and South Africa, and both of them have recently defeated Australia. Australian team went to India last month and lost to India in a test series. Now, they are playing against South Africa in home and again they have lost the series. So now, the main focus of cricket fans all over the world is on South Africa and India instead of Australia. So, it will be a year for both India and South Africa to fight for supremacy. Until now, hardly anyone could think that Australia can be defeated. Now, they have been defeated and I think that it will give a psychological boost to India and South Africa. Now, let us see who can be the boss of world cricket in 2009.

England vs South Africa Third Test 2008: Paul Collingwood Comes to Rescue

Before the start of today’s play, many people had a doubt England had any chance in the match. South Africa was in an advantage condition because of their impressive first Innings Lead. However, Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood had other things in mind. They fought bravely and helped England to be in a good position after the third day. Kevin Pietersen was very unlucky to be out for 94 runs. However,

Paul Collingwood was eager to score a century and this century helped England a lot.

Times Online reported:

The lead is more than 200 now and the advantage lies with England, but the outcome is still too close to call, given that the pitch is playing superbly. Ten out of the past 11 first-class games have been drawn here, which suggests that the surface will not deteriorate. South Africa will be confident of chasing a large last innings score, but they will have to bat better than they bowled yesterday.

It was a day when the advantage ebbed and flowed. England amputated the South African tail in the first hour, ceding a lead of only 83, and then lost three wickets themselves overhauling this deficit. England’s batsmen again got in and got out without producing anything substantial.

Wembley Stadium: The Venue of England vs Russia Match

Wembley Stadium is perhaps the most famous football stadium in England. It has hosted many memorable matches in the history of football. England is the birth place of modern football and Wembley Stadium is the heart of English football. In this stadium, England plays its international matches and also hosts the FA Cup Final.

Wembley Stadium has a capacity of 90,000 viewers and it is needless to say that all the people today will shout for English players. Russian players will need to keep their nerves strong in the match today.

Rugby World Cup 2007: South Africa Squad

Former champion South Africa is going to start their Rugby World Cup 2007 campaign on 9 September though the match against Samoa. South Africa has recently unveiled their final squad ahead of the world cup. Rugby World Cup 2007 will start from 7 September in France. Jake White selected a number of young players along with some experienced veterans. Thus, South African squad looks balanced and strong.

South Africa won their first and only Rugby world cup title in 1995 at home soil. Os du Randt was one of the members of that champion South African team. Os du Randt is now going to play his third Rugby world cup tournament. He missed the 2003 world cup and came back to team after five year’s absence in 2004. This veteran has already played 72 tests for South Africa. Bob Skinstad and fullback Percy Montgomery also came back to the squad after about eight years of absence in the national team. White included seven players who played in the last world cup in 2003.

Francois Steyn is thought to be the future star of South African rugby as he has already proven his skill in international rugby though he is just 20 at this moment. However, ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2007 campaign, there is a bad news for South Africa. Back row Pierre Spies has been out of the tournament as he has fall in an injury. Hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been called to fill the gap of Pierre Spies.

The names of the South African squad are given below from the official website of Rugby world cup:

Forwards (16): Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Gary Botha, Schalk Burger, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Bob Skinstad, John Smit (Captain), Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Gurthro Steenkamp, Albert Van Den Berg, Wikus Van Heerden, CJ Van Der Linde.

Backs (14): Jean de Villiers, Fourie Du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Andre Pretorius, Francois Steyn, Ashwin Willemse.